The Abilene Christian University Department of Graduate Studies in Education offers a Master of Education (MEd) degree in the following areas: • Curriculum and Instruction • Special Education • Leadership of Learning (Leadership and other leadership roles) • Higher Education (see the Higher Education section of this catalog)

The department also offers certification as a superintendent beyond leadership of learning (school principal certification). A 9-hour program leading to certification as a Master Reading Teacher is available. Students in the Leadership of Learning program will also be able to complete the requirements for the graduate certificate in conflict resolution. See the Conflict Resolution section for certificate information.

The teacher education programs are approved by the Texas Education Agency and are accredited by the State Board for Educator Certification. Three years of teaching experience, in addition to the master's degree, are required to receive a professional certificate.

The Department of Graduate Studies in Education at ACU seeks to prepare individuals who have a thorough mastery of the technical and practical aspects of education and are skilled in both the art and science of teaching and learning. The faculty and staff of the department seek to accomplish this within the context of Christian values and principles.

Education is one of the largest programs at ACU, with approximately 700 graduate and undergraduate students each year involved in some aspect of educator preparation. With a student-faculty ratio of 17:1, each student receives individual attention from top-quality faculty members.

Faculty members author teaching materials, publish articles and papers, present at state and national conferences, serve as officers in professional organizations, and conduct numerous workshops and seminars for school professionals.

Admission RequirementsFor admission criteria, please refer to the Graduate School Admission Requirements section of this catalog. In addition to the general Graduate School requirements, applicants to the MEd program must submit:

2. An official document indicating 2 years of teaching experience in an accredited public or private school.

Post-baccalaureate students working toward initial teacher certification must be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. (See requirements for the Post-Baccalaureate Internship at the end of this section.)

Departmental RequirementsA student must earn 36-39 hours of graduate credit, at least half of which must be in 600-level courses. Meeting the requirements of a master’s degree in education does not necessarily qualify the student for professional certification. Each student’s professional certification program must be planned to meet individual needs and to ensure competence in the chosen area of professional endeavor.

Students are cautioned that states continually change credentialing requirements. It is the responsibility of the student to stay abreast of their state’s credentialing requirements. Not taking credentialing exams in a timely manner can create lengthy certification plans for the student to meet changing credentialing requirements.

Students seeking Texas certification must pass the state-required Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) prior to certification. The state of Texas awards professional certification only to persons with at least three years of verified teaching experience.

The Center for Conflict Resolution offers a 12-hour graduate certificate in Conflict Resolution designed especially for educators. This unique program includes on-line course work and a one-week residency session for the development of practical skills and for training trainers of mediators in the school setting. Special materials for trainers will be provided. Students may apply the 12 hours toward the Master of Education in Leadership of Learning degree.

PLEASE NOTE: Because courses are offered online, students must have access to a computer with an internet connection and have sufficient technical proficiency for the online environment.

Admission RequirementsAll candidates for the certificate must complete an application for the certificate program with the Graduate School and must submit an official undergraduate transcript that shows a completed bachelor’s degree.

Requirements for the 12-hour certificate in conflict resolution for educators are:

The Master Reading Teacher program is designed to meet the State requirements for the Master Reading Teacher certificate. To be recommended by ACU for the state certificate, teachers must have a valid teaching certificate, three years teaching experience, successful completion of the courses listed below and must pass the Master Reading Teacher Certification Examination. ACU offers the following courses to meet the state requirements:

If you already hold a Texas Reading Specialist certificate, requirements will vary.

The following materials are required for evaluation for admission to the Master Reading Teacher program:

1. Name, address and phone number 2. Copy of teaching certificate 3. Copy of service record 4. Official transcript(s) showing baccalaureate degree and any graduate work 5. Two letters of reference from persons with knowledge of academic/teaching experiences 6. Essay of no more than two pages discussing teaching experiences in language arts and relevant professional development activities 7. Non-refundable $50 application/assessment fee

Send the above materials to Myra Holmans, ACU Box 28228, Abilene, Texas 79699. When application materials are received, an interview will be scheduled.

Upon acceptance into the Master Reading Teacher program, an application and $25 fee must be completed for the Graduate School. For more information, contact Myra Holmans, 325-674-2423.

This program is designed for individuals who have held a bachelor’s degree in another field and who want to obtain teaching certification. Prerequisites for the post-baccalaureate program: bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; an undergraduate GPA of 2.7 or higher (cumulative and content field); a minimum of 24 hours in a subject taught in K-12 schools; passing scores on all three sections of the THEA, with a minimum score of 260 in reading, 240 in math and 220 in writing; an interview with the certification officer; and three recommendations concerning education and experiences.

SPECIAL EDUCATION (MED)

Major Code: SPED

PLEASE NOTE: Because courses are offered online, students must have access to a computer with an internet connection and have sufficient technical proficiency for the online environment.

Requirements for the MEd in special education, 36-hour non-thesis program, are:

• Special Education SPED 674 Emotional and Behavioral Disorders in Children SPED 677 Teaching Students with High Incident Disabilities SPED 681 Teaching Students with Low Incident Disabilities SPED 684 Assessment of Students with Exceptional Needs

Requirements for the superintendent certification are:EDUC 662 The Superintendent of SchoolsEDUC 668 Practicum in the School SuperintendencyEDUC 670 Politics in Educational AdministrationEDUC 671 Policy Planning and Development in EducationEDUC 672 Educational Facilities Practicum